Optimizing Resource Utilization in Intercropping and Sole Cropping Systems

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue delves into the intricate dynamics of intercropping—an agronomic strategy holding immense promise for sustainable and resilient agriculture. This Special Issue is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of spatio-temporal interactions, species selection, and below- and above-ground synergies within intercropping systems. We invite international researchers to contribute original research articles, reviews, and perspectives to this collection, fostering a collaborative effort to elucidate which interactions are pivotal for optimizing yield and economic returns in diverse intercropping systems.

Intercropping, the simultaneous cultivation of different plant species in shared spaces, represents an age-old agricultural practice that is garnering renewed attention for its potential to enhance resource utilization efficiency, increase biodiversity, and bolster overall productivity. As the global agricultural landscape faces unprecedented challenges, understanding the nuanced interplay of factors influencing intercropping success becomes paramount.
This Special Issue invites submissions exploring various facets of intercropping, with a focus on the following:

1. Spatio-Temporal Interactions: Investigations into the temporal and spatial dynamics inherent in intercropping systems, unraveling how timing and spatial arrangement impact overall crop performance.
2. Species Selection and Combination: Examinations of the criteria governing the selection of plant species for intercropping, evaluating the synergies and complementarities between chosen species and their combined effects on yield and resource utilization.
3. Below- and Above-Ground Interactions: Analyses of the intricate below-ground interactions involving root system dynamics, nutrient cycling, and microbial communities, as well as above-ground interactions related to canopy architecture, light competition, and allelopathy. Investigations into the interconnectedness of these factors and their influence on the design of optimal intercropping systems.

By synthesizing state-of-the-art research in this Special Issue, we aim to provide international researchers with a comprehensive understanding of which intercropping interactions are crucial for achieving higher yields and economic returns. The collection will serve as a valuable resource, guiding researchers and practitioners worldwide in the development of sustainable and economically viable intercropping strategies.

Dr. Ruijun Qin
Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• diversification
• sustainability
• cereals
• legumes
• economics
• complementarities
• competition
• crop configuration